PLAINSBORO — The wind was howling at West Windsor-Plainsboro North as the girl’s lacrosse season got underway and the Knights showed they can handle the weather and a very tough opponent.

Led by All-America performer Olivia Harpel the North attack looked as if it was in midseason form.

Jumping to quick lead WW-P North took a 12-7 verdict over a very good Princeton team Wednesday in the Colonial Valley Conference season opener played on the turf in Plainsboro.

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As the winds whipped around the field and the wind chill continued to dip the Knights (1-0, 1-0 CVC) built a 7-4 first half lead. Then when the Tigers (0-1, 0-1 CVC) made a late run in the second half North was up for the challenge and responded with the final two goals of the game.

“The weather is here for everyone not just us,’’ said Harpel, who led the way with six goals, including three of the first four. “We just wanted to focus on playing and the wind will be at your back. It’s always important to come out hard. I’m so proud of the girls it was a tremendous effort and it’s get to be playing this way so early.’’

Also, by getting eight ground balls Harpel became the all-time school leader with 276 career ground balls. The Northwestern-bound Harpel surpassed Kim Collins, who played at American University. Collins set the mark in 2009.

The younger Harpel, Carli, got in the act with two goals and three assists, Morgan Hendry added a pair of goals with Talise Redmond and Alex Hendry each accounting for one.

Eva Boal has nine saves in her debut in goal for North. The senior made a pair of clutch saves to turn the tide back to the Knights in the second half.

Princeton, which saw their offensive flowed slowed by North’s ability on the draw’s, made a two-goal run to cut the deficit to 10-7 with 8:48 remaining then just couldn’t contain the momentum.

Gabby Gibbons had two goals and two assists for Princeton, Liz Jacobs added a pair of scores and Alexandra Callaway, Emilia Lopez-Ona and Dana Smith all accounted for one score. Taylor Lis had an assist.

“We could never maintain possession,” said Princeton coach Kelsey O’Gorman. “Draw controls are always a big part of the game. Finally, we got things going, but it was too late. We will learn from this and grow from it.’’

After jumping to the 4-1 lead North took a 7-4 lead to the intermission. Scoring three of the first four in the second half the margin grew to 10-5 with 13:46 left in the game.

“If felt like it was back and forth for a while,” said North’s Hall of Fame coach, Beth Serughetti. “These girls have a lot of confidence in each other and they are very poised.”

There are not many around that are a poised as Olivia Harpel. She brings talent, speed and natural leadership abilities to the field and she is definitely the catalyst for the Knights.

“She’s a playmaker and she makes everyone look good,” said Serughetti of Olivia. “She is a phenomenal lacrosse player and everyone can count on her and she has faith in everyone as well. Our team doesn’t revolve around her and it’s all around working together.”